The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Online Graduate Nursing Programs – NP, CNS

The College of Nursing and Health Professions through the University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with four advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) specializations. Students interested in the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ past offering of an AGPCNP specialization are encouraged to contact the university to determine if this specialization may be offered in the future. Students may be required to come to the Evansville, Indiana campus three to four times over the course of their chosen program. Clinical preceptorships are completed locally at approved facilities in eligible states of study. 

The four specializations offered for all programs include:

  • Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS)
  • Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)

Campus immersions occur at the Clinical Simulation Center in Evansville, IN, designed to feel like a real hospital. Students can practice working on simulated patients in a safe environment. Immersions may include patient assessment and patient safety protocols, work with lab results and care, decision-making skills, and collaboration. 

Graduates of the NP and CNS specializations are eligible to sit for their specific national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

The University of Southern Indiana’s graduate nursing programs are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). USI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Evansville, Indiana.

What to Expect from the University of Southern Indiana Online Graduate Nursing Programs

Admission Requirements: Application materials for both… programs include an online application and fee, two references, a professional resume or CV, and official transcripts. U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. No GRE or GMAT is required for these programs. The following is also required for each program path:

  • MSN: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program through a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an unencumbered RN license. Completion of undergraduate statistics is required. In addition, one year of full-time work experience is recommended within the past five years.
  • DNP: Applicants to all DNP programs must have a BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program and a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must have already completed their BSN degree before applying. As with MSN programs, DNP applicants must also have a minimum cumulative baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.  GPAs are reviewed based on the total BSN GPA rather than nursing courses alone and include transfer courses from RN Completion programs. Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better) at the time of application is also required. Applicants must have a complete application file and also have an unencumbered US RN license in all states where they practice.
  • Post-Master’s Certificates: Applicants must hold an MSN from a nationally accredited program, through a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an unencumbered RN license. Transcripts will be evaluated individually to determine whether the clinical core courses need to be completed. PMC applicants must have completed a pharmacology course within the past five years.

State Restrictions: While the University of Southern Indiana is an NC-SARA participant, students from the following states are not eligible to study in the graduate nursing programs: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Washington DC, and Wyoming. It is advantageous that students from eligible states verify with the College of Nursing and Health Professions as well as their state licensing board to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP and CNS licensure.

International students are also welcome to apply to USI programs. In addition to application requirements expected of domestic applicants, international applicants may be called upon to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. International applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Study Plan: The MSN and DNP programs begin in the fall, spring, and summer. MSN programs take about three years to complete while DNP programs require four to five years of study. The Post-Master’s Certificate specializations begin in the Fall only and can be completed in about two years. Certificate students may need to come to campus up to three times throughout the program although no campus visits may be required.

Summer courses last 10 weeks each, while Fall and Spring courses last 16 weeks each. Students should expect to spend three to five hours per week for each credit taken in addition to listening to the online lectures. Clinicals are completed locally in approved states.

MSN Curriculum: Core courses for all specializations include roles for advanced nursing practice; theoretical foundations for advanced practice nursing; evidence-based practice for advanced nursing; population-based care and health policy; healthcare informatics for advanced nursing practice; and nursing leadership in healthcare systems.

Clinical core courses include Advanced Concepts of pathophysiology; clinical pharmacology for advanced practice nurses; and advanced health assessment.

  • AGCNS: The AGCNS program requires completion of 42 credits and 545 clinical hours. CNS specialty courses include advanced nursing assessment and intervention I-III.
  • FNP: The FNP program requires completion of 42 credits and 665 clinical hours. Specialty courses include primary care of nursing families i-ii and family nurse practitioner practicum. 
  • AGACNP: The AGACNP program requires the completion of 42 credits and 705 clinical hours. Specialty courses include management of acutely ill adults I-II and management of acutely ill adults practicum. 
  • PMHNP: The PMHNP program requires completion of 44 credits and 665 clinical hours. Specialty courses include psychopharmacology and psychiatric mental health care of families I-III. 

DNP Curriculum: DNP students of all specializations complete a common set of 48 credits of nursing courses, six credits of project courses and nine credits of clinical core courses. Nursing course include roles for advanced nursing practice; evidence-based practice for advanced nursing; theoretical foundations for advanced practice nursing; theory and practice; analytical methods for population-based care; cultural diversity; systems leadership and interprofessional collaboration; healthcare policy and strategic planning; resource utilization in healthcare; healthcare technology and informatics; wellness promotion; patient management clinical application seminar; clinical application of pharmacotherapeutics; application of assessment with differential diagnoses; clinical education; critical appraisal of practice; and synthesis of nursing practice. project courses are DNP project proposal; DNP project I; and DNP project II. clinical core courses are advanced concepts of pathophysiology; advanced health assessment; and clinical pharmacology for advanced practice nurses.

AGCNS, FNP, and AGACNP students all complete 15 credits of specialization coursework, while PMHNP students complete 17 credits. All specializations must complete 665 clinical hours.

  • AGCNS: Courses include advanced nursing assessment and intervention I For BSN-to-DNP; advanced nursing assessment & intervention II for BSN-to-DNP and clinical nurse specialist role integration for BSN-to-DNP.
  • FNP: Courses include primary care nursing of families I for BSN-to-DNP; primary care nursing of families II for BSN-to-DNP; and family nurse practitioner practicum for BSN-to-DNP.
  • AGACNP: Courses include management of the acutely ill adult – geriatric patients I for BSN-to-DNP; NURS 775 – management of the acutely ill adult II for BSN-to-DNP; and management of the acutely ill adult III for BSN-to-DNP
  • PMHNP: Courses include psychopharmacology; and psychiatric/mental health care of families across the lifespan for BSN-to-DNP I, II, and III (three courses).

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificate program comprises 24 credits for all specializations except PMHNP, which requires completion of 26 credits. Note that transcript analysis is done individually to determine the need for the clinical core courses. Study plans follow the clinical core and specialty courses listed above for the MSN and DNP programs.

Online Experience: Online courses at USI are delivered through the Blackboard online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are asynchronous with recorded lectures and may include live, proctored exams through Proctorio. Other collaborative tools may include Microsoft Teams, VoiceThread, and Zoom. Students have access to faculty office hours, academic advising, support services, career counseling, library services, and technical support. 

On-Site Requirements: Students may need to come to the Evansville, IN campus up to three to four times throughout their programs, although there may be no campus visits required. Students should verify with the College of Nursing and Health Professions as to campus visit requirements. Campus visits last two days each and may include an orientation and correspond with specific courses. All other coursework is online, and clinicals are completed local to the student.

Paying for the University of Southern Indiana Online Graduate Nursing and Certificate Programs

The online graduate nursing programs through the University of Southern Indiana have their tuition listed below. Travel expenses for campus visits are not included in tuition costs. Prospective students should inquire with the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions for more information.

According to the FAFSA, USI may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students and other scholarships and aid. Students are also encouraged to inquire with their employers about the option of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, online graduate students may seek outside opportunities such as community and organizational funding.

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers affordable online nurse practitioner programs to residents of most states, with three to four campus visits and local clinicals.

APRN Programs

BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Campus Address

8600 University Blvd.
Evansville, Indiana 47712

University of Southern Indiana – BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

AG-ACNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$38,761.32

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$38,761.32

University of Southern Indiana – BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

AG-CNS

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$38,761.32

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$38,761.32

University of Southern Indiana – BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$38,761.32

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$38,761.32

University of Southern Indiana – BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

80

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

80

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$39,755.20

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$39,755.20

University of Southern Indiana – MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

42

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

42

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$18,771.48

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$20,871.48

University of Southern Indiana – MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

42

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

500

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

42

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$18,771.48

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$20,871.48

University of Southern Indiana – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

42

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

42

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$18,771.48

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$20,871.48

University of Southern Indiana – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

4

Credits Needed to Graduate

44

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

44

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$19,665.36

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$21,865.36

University of Southern Indiana – Post Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

24

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

24

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$10,726.56

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$11,926.56

University of Southern Indiana – Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

24

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

500

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

24

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$10,726.56

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$11,926.56

University of Southern Indiana – Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

24

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

24

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$10,726.56

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$11,926.56

University of Southern Indiana – Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

26

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

26

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$446.94

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$11,620.44

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$496.94

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$12,920.44

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.

Bernd Geels

Bernd Geels

Writer

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.